Give Your Ride a Makeover: Powder Coating Your Wheels
If you’re looking to give your car an instant facelift without breaking the bank, powder coating your wheels should be at the top of your list. Powder coated wheels not only look amazing, but they’re also more durable than painted factory wheels. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about powder coating car wheels to get your ride looking its best.
The Benefits of Powder Coated Wheels
Powder coating gives your wheels an even, glass-like colored finish that outshines basic painted metal. The powder used is extremely durable, resistant to chipping and fading even under daily wear and harsh road conditions. Unlike paint that can chip or require frequent touch ups, quality powder coated wheels will maintain their freshly-coated look for years.
And if you’re worried about color matching, powder coating provides options galore. Whether you want a flashy gold, subtle matte black or custom color to match your car’s paint job, powder coat experts can create the exact hue you’re picturing. Plus, most shops offer custom designs, so in addition to color, you can add graphics for even more visual pop.
Why Powder Coat Instead of Paint?
Wondering why you should opt for powder coating versus a simple can of spray paint? Powder wins hands down when it comes to durability and appearance. The powder used in the coating process is electrostatically applied using specialist equipment for smooth, consistent coverage, even on complex wheel designs. This allows the powder to adhere extremely effectively to produce an ultra-tough finish.
The powder is then heat cured to activate polymerization which bonds the coating to the metal. This creates an incredibly durable, woven layer that resists scratches more effectively than basic paint. Painted coatings applied outside of a controlled workshop environment simply cannot replicate the same level of protection and longevity.
How Long Does Powder Coated Wheels Last?
When applied correctly by a professional, powder coated wheels can last upwards of 10 years. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly five times longer than basic paint which starts to show signs of wear after just 2-3 years.
The technology behind powder coating has improved tremendously in recent years with advanced polymers used to produce super durable finishes built to last. Of course how well your wheels hold up depends on how you treat them. Curbed rims or improper cleaning can damage the coating over time. But when properly maintained and cared for, quality powder coated wheels will keep their rich, flawless finish for years to come.
How the Powder Coating Process Works
Applying colored powder might sound simple, but perfectly coating a wheel requires an advanced multi-step process. Here’s a breakdown:
Surface Preparation
The wheel surface is thoroughly cleaned then sandblasted to remove any oil, rust scale or existing clear coat that could reduce powder adhesion. An iron phosphate wash is usually applied as well which further etches the metal to improve bonding.
Powder Application
The inert polyester powder, either a solid color or custom blended hue, is electrostatically applied using an advanced spraying system. The electrostatic charge causes the powder to wrap around the grounded wheel clinging evenly to all surfaces.
Curing
The coated wheels enter a high temperature oven to melt and cure the powder into a smooth, hardened finish. Different powder formulations require different temperatures and time to fully cure.
Final Details
After baking, the wheels are placed in a cool down oven then given a final inspection. Any small imperfections are carefully touched up by hand. Lastly, clear coat can be applied for an ultra-glossy wet look.
Why Go Pro for Powder Coating?
From start to finish, having your wheels professionally powder coated is the best way to get showroom-quality results. DIY kits can certainly save you money upfront. But achieving the same level of surface prep and specialized equipment at home just isn’t realistic. Plus if you make any mistakes, you’ll have to completely strip the wheel and start over.
Professional powder coaters have industry-leading tools and materials plus years of experience delivering flawless, long-lasting finishes. It’s a very difficult craft to master. And considering most shops charge around $400-500 to fully powder coat a set of four wheels, it’s worth paying a modest price for expertise.
Of course not all powder coating is created equal. Prices and quality can vary tremendously between companies. When choosing a shop, look for one that offers:
- A large color selection with mix-matching ability
- Both powder coat and wet paint options
- High-heat curing ovens
- In-house media blasting equipment
- Positive online reviews touting durability
- Multi-year warranty on work
Caring for Your Newly Powder Coated Wheels
Once your wheels come out looking better than new, you’ll want to keep them that way as long as possible. Avoid harsh wheel cleaners which can damage the coating over time. Instead, use mild soap and water for cleaning along with these care tips:
- Rinse wheels frequently to prevent brake dust buildup
- Avoid automatic car washes
- Use touchless wash methods only
- Inspect closely andfrequently for chips
- Carefully drive over curbs and obstacles
- Re-coat at first sign of damage
The tighter you follow these precautions and properly maintain your wheels, the longer your custom powder coat finish will impress.
Give Your Car an Instant Makeover
Tired of staring down at worn, uninspiring wheels every time you drive? Powder coating provides an affordable way to overhaul the look of your vehicle for thousands less than the cost of buying new wheels. And with the right maintenance, your freshly coated rims can look pristine for years to come.
Rather than trying to DIY powder coat at home, partner with a professional shop experienced in applying super durable automotive finishes. Give some thought to your ideal design then request free quotes to compare pricing. In most cases, you’ll only need to leave your vehicle for 3-5 days while the wheels are media blasted, coated and cured.
Before you know it, you’ll be rolling on a set of custom, head-turning works of wheel art. Powder coated rims will completely transform the look of your ride all while boosting exterior durability compared to standard paint. If your existing factory wheels are looking worn, upgrading to pro powder coating is one of the smartest aesthetic investments you can make.
